Former Minister of Petroleum Resources, Diezani Alison-Madueke, has filed a motion to amend her legal challenge against the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) regarding the final forfeiture of her assets.
This motion was presented at a resumed hearing before Justice Inyang Ekwo of the Federal High Court in Abuja on Thursday.
Alison-Madueke’s lawyer, Godwin Iyinbor, informed the court that the amended documents had been served to the EFCC.
The motion, filed as part of an ongoing case, involves Alison-Madueke’s effort to contest the public sale of assets that were forfeited to the Nigerian government.
In response, the EFCC submitted a counter-affidavit, which was acknowledged by Iyinbor.
The court was informed that the EFCC did not have legal representation present during the hearing, and Justice Ekwo sought clarification on whether the agency had responded to the filings.
The case, which centers on Alison-Madueke’s motion to amend her originating process, has been adjourned until February 17, 2025.
This adjournment allows time for further legal proceedings regarding the sale of her forfeited assets.
The former minister, through her legal representative, Chief Mike Ozekhome, SAN, has filed a suit seeking to challenge the EFCC’s sale of assets, arguing that the orders for the sale were issued without proper jurisdiction and violated her right to a fair hearing.
Alison-Madueke claims she was not given a chance to respond to the charges before the sale was authorized, and that key facts were misrepresented during the forfeiture process.
In contrast, the EFCC maintains that the legal procedures were followed and that Alison-Madueke’s claims lack merit.
They argue that the forfeiture process was conducted through legitimate court orders, with proper public notices issued.
The EFCC also claims that the assets, including over 80 properties and $153 million in recovered funds, were legally disposed of in line with court directives.
This case is one of several legal battles Alison-Madueke is facing, including a separate lawsuit seeking N100 billion in damages for alleged defamation by the EFCC.
The outcome of the ongoing forfeiture case could have significant implications for the former minister and her assets, as well as for the EFCC’s asset recovery efforts.